Whether it’s over land or water, there’s no shortage of competitions scheduled for Penticton’s sports events season.
Starting this weekend, the local sports events campaign kicks into high gear with a pair of races.
The Blossom 8 Miler race starts at Okanagan Lake Park on Sunday morning, May 12, with participants running next to Lakeshore Drive, up to Vancouver Avenue later along Naramata Road.
Anyone driving in the area is asked to slow down and watch for flaggers, runners and volunteers at the roadside, city officials said.
Also this weekend, the annual Duel in the Desert Race comes to Skaha Lake. Canoe teams from across B.C. and Alberta will be in attendance for the Penticton Paddle Sports Association-hosted event.
The city on Monday announced more upcoming local sports events for this season:
Okanagan Super Sprints (June 7 and 8)
This event will see dragon boat racers compete at Skaha Lake. An optional event on Sunday will run for 55+ teams.
Okanagan Trestles Tour (July 7)
This event welcomes the community to ride the Kettle Valley Rail Trail, from the Myra Canyon in Kelowna to Penticton.
Peach Classic Triathlon (July 7)
One of Canada’s oldest triathlons returns to Penticton in early July.
Okanagan Granfondo (July 13 and 14)
Thousands of cyclists come to Penticton for the annual race.
Ultraman Canada (July 26 to 28)
The race has been held in Penticton since 1993 and totals 515 kilometres.
Across the Lake Swim (Aug. 11)
This open-water swim coincides with the Penticton Peach Festival.
Ironman Canada (Aug. 24 and 25)
Athletes from around the world return to Penticton for Ironman Canada.
Dragon Boat Festival (Sept. 7 and 8)
More than 80 teams from across Western Canada come back to Skaha Lake for Penticton’s flagship dragon boat event.
Kettle Mettle Dirty Fondo (Sept. 13 and 14)
This biking event features a course that covers most of the South Okanagan.
Canadian Outrigger Distance Championships (Sept. 28 and 29)
Outrigger racing returns to Okanagan Lake in Penticton this fall.
READ MORE: Penticton Vees top Salmon Arm Silverbacks, take 2-1 series lead